What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Tarpon Springs FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Tarpon Springs FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Tarpon Springs FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Tarpon Springs FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Tarpon Springs FL area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Tarpon Springs FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Tarpon Springs FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.